Jesper Vikman has a vital role for the Vegas Golden Knights. He serves as a depth piece in case something happens to Adin Hill and Ilya Samsonov. If both goaltenders get injured, the prospect takes the reins. Of course, he won't be alone, for Akira Schmid will step in as the de facto starter.
Sadly, that's not reality. The goaltender is in net for the Tahoe Knight Monsters, taking in the beautiful views of Lake Tahoe. That's not a bad thing, though. The NHL dream is still alive and well. It's just taking a detour in the northern part of Nevada.
No matter because the Golden Knights always have a backup plan. It's how they avoided catastrophe in the 2022-23 season and won the Stanley Cup that season. Despite losing names such as Logan Thompson and Laurent Brossoit, they dug in and pulled out their first championship in franchise history.
If the same situation arises, would Vikman rise to the challenge? Let's look at how he's starting the 2024-25 season. Has he helped the Knight Monsters compete in the ECHL? Or has he hindered the group and played poorly in the minor leagues?
Looking at Jesper Vikman with the Tahoe Knight Monsters so far
So far, Vikman has only played three games with the Knight Monsters. However, he does have two wins to start the season, leading Tahoe to five points (2-0-1). That's good for fifth in the Mountain Division, where the Kansas City Mavericks are atop the division (4-0-0, eight points).
Vikman has appeared in all three games, posting a GAA of 1.94. So far, he's looked solid, moving well with the puck and making the necessary stops. But does that mean he's been perfect? No, as this goal from the Jacksonville Icemen will prove.
A tough ending in Tahoe, the Knight Monsters lose their first game in franchise history in OT 4-3
— Vince Sapienza (@VinceSapienza) October 25, 2024
Jesper Vikman just couldn’t corral this puck and it finds its way in the back of the net. Great game, great crowd.
Welcome to the @ECHL @Knight_monsters #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/Pqtf4TRN6D
It's tough corraling a puck when the other team charges at you. You're forced to make a snap decision and act accordingly, leaving you scrambling for the puck. As a result, the opposing attack has the advantage, pouncing for the goal. However, that hasn't deterred him from starting the first three games well.
He posted a save percentage of .972 and allowed one goal after that overtime loss. The Swedish netminder adapted to his given circumstances and played better. Locking in helps goaltenders like Jesper Vikman make their case for starting with teams like the Vegas Golden Knights.
Currently, there's no room for Vikman to hold a spot with the Golden Knights. Therefore, he must spend time with the Tahoe Knight Monsters and hone his craft. But that isn't a bad thing, especially if he continues playing at a consistent clip. That could help him evolve into a solid netminder in the NHL, achieving his lifelong dream.